Mercedes-Benz S 450 Recalls

The Mercedes-Benz S 450 has 14 recalls across the 2018-2020 model years, with the most serious being a 2018 model year defect where electrical power bars inside the trunk's pre-fuse box can work loose, increase resistance, and start a fire.

The 2018-2020 model years share a structural recall where the adhesive bonding on a front body panel can deteriorate, allowing the panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard for other traffic. On the 2018 model year, door latches can appear locked while remaining unsecured, allowing a door to swing open unexpectedly. The 2018 front brake components on some vehicles were fitted with discs, calipers, and pads of incorrect dimensions, which can cause the wrong replacement parts to be installed during future brake service and reduce braking performance.

The 2019 model year has several safety system concerns. Seatbelt pretensioners can fail to tighten in a crash, reducing restraint effectiveness. The forward collision radar system can fail to apply automatic braking when needed. On one specific 2019 vehicle, improperly installed A, B, and C pillar trim covers can block side curtain airbag deployment or detach during a crash. Vehicles with a previously replaced instrument cluster may also be missing the audible and visual seatbelt reminder, leaving front occupants without a prompt to buckle up.

The 2020 model year has a side crash sensor connector that can come loose, delaying airbag and seatbelt activation during a side impact.

Across 2018-2019 models, the hands-off detection system in the Active Steering Assist can malfunction and keep the steering assist engaged even when the driver's hands leave the wheel for an extended period. The emergency call system, which contacts a call center after a crash, has two separate issues across 2018-2020 models: one can disable the system entirely, and another can cause it to report the wrong vehicle location, both of which can delay emergency responders reaching the scene.